Spanish American Civic Association: Centro Hispano Economic Development

Conestoga River Plaza

Economic development along the Historic South Duke Street Corridor begins right here.

The Conestoga River Plaza project will begin a process of economic development in the southeast quadrant of the city of Lancaster that will create new investment, create jobs, and stimulate this long neglected quadrant of the city to become a vibrant part of the Lancaster community with its own unique cultural and ethnic flavor.

The site

The Conestoga River Plaza will emerge from an unimproved tract of land situated at the southwest corner of Chesapeake Street and South Duke Street. It begins at the intersection of Chesapeake Street and South Duke Street extending along South Duke Street. It is a 5.7 acre tract of land that borders Lancaster County Park.

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Historically, the site has been used as a landfill and auto parts disposal area.

Phase I and II Environmental Studies indicate that conducted on the site indicate that there is no apparent wide-spread impact by petroleum hydrocarbons from the junkyard operations . Available date indicates that there should be no groundwater impact at the site due to contaminants in the soil and furthermore that a regulatory release of liability could be obtained under the Act 2 program.

The development vision and strategy takes into account the neighborhood and the revitalization of downtown.

The Conestoga River Plaza will develop as a destination point for neighborhood residents, suburban residents, and visitors to the city of Lancaster. It will provide needed services to neighborhood residents while capitalizing on the ethnic and cultural flavor of the SouthEast quadrant of interest to visitors expected to come to Downtown and Convention Center destinations.

The acquisition phase has been completed

The John F. Steinman Foundation early on allowed for the site to be put under an option agreement. Funding from the Foundation allowed also for the Phase I and II environmental studies to occur.

 The Community First Fund, the High Group, and the City of Lancaster were all part of the financing package that allowed for settlement to proceed.

 
The Pre Development Phase has begun.

Vital to the success of the Conestoga River Plaza is a partnership between the community, the private sector, and government in the creation of business opportunities, jobs, and the development of healthy neighborhoods. Of great importance is the participation of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

SACA Development Corporation has made a request for assistance to the PA Department of Community and Economic Development providing resources that include Neighborhood Assistance Program allowing for private section investment in the project in lieu of state tax credit payments, the use of the Food Trust Program designed to facilitate the creation of community grocery stores offering fresh produce, and funding for pre development costs for the project to include architectural, engineering, and other related costs.

The City of Lancaster will submit an application to the US Department of Housing Development  for a $2M package that includes a Section 108 Program Loan ($1M) and a Brownfield Economic Development Initiative Grant ($1M). These funds would be used for preparation of the site and construction.

The Timetable

Predevelopment funding, construction financing as well as municipal, state, and county approvals should be in place within an 18 to 24 month timeframe.

 
The Business Development Strategy

The Conestoga River Plaza will be a destination point that will include the following:

• Bank Branch
• Community Grocery Store
• Retail Stores (2)
• Full Service Restaurant
• Market Townhouses along the Conestoga River
• Space for Art Exhibits/Gallery and Performances

 
The Total Investment

It is anticipated that a total investment of $6M will be realized as a result of the Conestoga River Plaza development.

Spanish American Civic Association
545 Pershing Avenue
Lancaster, PA  17602
Ph: 717-397-6267 / Fax: 717-295-7762